Post Baccalaureate PDE Certification in English as a Second Language PreK-12

Credential: This program does not lead to a master's degree.

Certification: Eligibility for PA ESL Program Specialist Certification (PreK-12) **

Location: Online

Program Director: Robin Bronkema, PhD

** To be recommended for certification, students must hold a Pennsylvania Instruction I or II (any area).
** Graduate students not holding a PA certification will not be eligible for PA ESL Program Specialist certification.

Program Mission: The English as a Second Language Program Specialist Certification seeks to train students from a philosophical basis which reflects a biblical worldview to serve as teachers of ESL in public and private schools.  To be eligible for PA certification, field placement must be completed in person in Pennsylvania.

Program Learning Outcomes: As a result of this program, students will

1.  Integrate knowledge of content, pedagogy, resources and learners to design coherent learning experiences that are aligned with outcomes and that reach all learners. 
2.  Implement safe, equitable, learning-focused environments developed through appropriate rapport between student and teacher, responsiveness to the needs and cultures of all learners, and effective classroom management techniques in an organized physical environment. 
3.  Demonstrate effective instructional practices as characterized by a) clear verbal, nonverbal, and media communication, b) reflective and responsive teaching using multiple instructional strategies, c) implementation of a variety of assessment measures, d) engagement of students in higher level thinking and learning,
4.  Demonstrate professionalism by a) adhering to ethical, institutional and legal guidelines, b) maintaining accurate records, c) seeking opportunities to grow professionally, d) reflecting on his/her own practice, e) collaborating with colleagues, parents, and the community
5. Integrate a biblical worldview into their personal and professional life.

Curriculum Structure and Program Requirements (18 credits)

ESL 500	Culture and Communication	3
ESL 515	Language and Literacy Development for the English Learner	3
ESL 517	Language Foundations for Teachers	3
ESL 520	Instruction and Assessment for the English Learner	3
ESL 610	ESL Internship & Seminar	3
EDU 529	Collaborative Team Approach	3

 

Admission, Retention, and Graduation

Admission Requirements

1. PA Instructional I or II certification in any area
2. Official transcript from a completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
3. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better as documented on an official transcript from the undergraduate accredited institution (or most recent completed degree)*
4. Completed application and submission of required application materials

*Graduate students with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be admitted to the program under provisional status with Program Coordinator approval. In provisional admittance status, the student must maintain a 3.0 in the first 12 credits of the program in order to be fully admitted into the program. 

 

Transfer Credits

Transfer credit is awarded in accordance with the general transfer policy in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the catalog. Transfer credits are reviewed and approved by the Program Director. This program has the following program specific transfer credit information.

Graduate Program	Program Credits	# of Transfer Credits	Min. Grade of Transfer Credits
Post-Bacc ESL	18	9 graduate credits	B

Academic Advising

Students will be assigned a student success coach to monitor student progress and to provide encouragement through their studies. Student success coaches are available for in-person and email meetings. Students will receive and have access to the Handbook for policies and procedures. Additionally, the handbook contains advisement sheets. The Program Director will monitor student progress each semester and alert the student and the student success coach regarding any deficiencies to be addressed and criteria not being met.

Retention

Academic progress in this program is monitored after each term. The Academic Probation policy and Academic Dismissal policy found in this catalog are applied to all LBC | Capital students. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Eligibility to enter Field Placement in ESL 520 Instruction & Assessment for the English Learner

1. Successful formal admission and retention in the Post-Bacc ESL program
2. Minimum Cumulative GPA = 3.0
3. Renewed Child Abuse, Criminal Record, and Fingerprinting Clearances (within 6 months)
4. TB test (within 6 months)
5. Proof of Liability Insurance
6. Completion of all ESL 500, ESL 515, and ESL 517
7. In good standing with Lancaster Bible College

Program Completion

Exit or graduation criteria:

1. Completion of all program requirements and field placement requirements
2. Minimum Cumulative GPA = 3.0
3. Minimum of basic on evaluation form from supervisor and mentor teacher

Eligibility to be Recommended for Certification

1. Submitted application to TIMS for PA teacher certification
2. The recommendation of the LBC Certification Officer

Program Completion
The program must be completed in a maximum of five years. If a student wishes to temporarily withdraw from a program, the student must notify the Program Director in writing. If a student needs an extension to continue the program after the five years, a written request must be submitted to the advisor and Program Director.

Faculty

Program Director: Robin Bronkema, PhD 

Growing up, Dr. Bronkema thought most children enjoyed playing school as much as she did, but it turns out that favorite pastime was a reflection of the love of teaching the Lord had placed in her.  She went on to become a teacher in public schools in PA and CT, and then supervised student teachers at a liberal arts college for several years.  Discovering that her passion for education and serving the Lord could be combined in Christian Education, she moved into administrative roles in a Christian K-12 school.  Those experiences gave birth to her doctoral research, which focused on the leadership development of female Christian school leaders.  With a heart for college-age students, she is now thrilled to bring all of those experiences to bear here at LBC.

Outside of campus life, she enjoys long walks with her dog, pickleball with her husband and three children, meals with friends, and a strong cup of Earl Grey tea.  

PhD in Organizational Leadership, Eastern University
EdM in Human Development and Psychology, Harvard University Graduate School of Education
BA in Psychology and Linguistics, Swarthmore College

 

Faculty

Robin Bronkema, PhD
Robert Dodson, EdD
Raluca Snyder, EdD